Frans Steyn is making a quicker than expected recovery from a knee injury and is likely to be fit to face the British & Irish Lions.

Steyn injured knee ligaments playing for the Sharks against the Highlanders a fortnight ago and was expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out of the three-Test tour.

However, his agent Gerrie Swart confirmed to keo.co.za that he will start running on Monday, well ahead of schedule.

‘His injury is recovering quicker than expected which means he should be ready and fighting fit for the Lions, should he be selected,’ Swart told this website.

The news will be a welcome respite for the Springbok selectors who have watched as a number of Springboks have been injured in recent weeks.

Steyn, if fit, is a starting option at fullback, given that Conrad Jantjes has broken his leg and will miss the remainder of the year. Steyn’s versatility means he will also cover flyhalf and centre, where Springbok coach Peter de Villiers believes he is best suited.

Meanwhile, Swart is adamant that Steyn hasn’t made a final decision on his future, despite reports in the French media that he has signed for Paris-based club Racing Metro.

‘The transfer window in France opens today [Friday] but Frans has until the end of June to put pen to paper, so there’s no rush on his part,’ he said.

‘We are still in talks with the Sharks about [the possibility of him staying] next year.’